“What?”
He takes my hands out of his jacket, leading me through the streets once again. I have no idea where we’re heading, but I trust him.
We enter one of the lower, inconspicuous buildings on a side street. I don’t realize what we’ve walked into at first. There are many couples around us, some not entirely sober.
I only put two and two together when I spot the couple at the far end of the room, and the wedding officiant behind them.
“Oh my God.” My mouth goes dry. We’re in a chapel. Daniel’s eyes are trained on me, waiting.
“That’s one thing I haven’t done. Anything you want to change about that?” he asks, voice rough, full of emotion.
“You planned this?”
“No. If I had, there would be no one else here, and I’d be wearing a suit. I’m not a cufflink man, but for such an occasion....”
I’m not dressed for the occasion either, obviously. I’m wearing jeans, a pink sweater under my jacket, and pink ballerina shoes with oversized bows.
“Oh, Dan! I—yes, let’s do this. But wait... our families won’t be too happy. But I also don’t want to wait.”
This might be a little surprising, a lot reckless, but oh my goodness, it feels so right. So perfect.
“It’s up to you. We can wait and do everything in San Francisco. Or we can do it now. Or we can have both. We can get married here, throw a party home.”
“Sounds great.” I’m so excited I can barely get the words out.
“Which part?”
“The last one. Wedding now, party home.”
Dan doesn’t answer. He simply pulls me in and kisses me hard. The sound of hands clapping fills the room. I blink open one eye and see that everyone is watching us.
“I love you so much,” I whisper. He smiles, keeping me close, and I lose myself in him, in this moment.
I watch the couples in front get married as if through a haze. My senses seem to be completely consumed by Daniel. Our hands are clasped together as we wait.
When our turn comes, Daniel talks to the officiant in a low, hushed voice before the ceremony begins. As we stay next to each other, and the minister presents us with rings—simple gold bands—I can’t help but wonder why everyone doesn’t do this. Sometimes I think weddings are more for the benefit of the guests than the bride and groom, who often stress themselves out to please the guests at their own expense. This is perfect for us.
When the ceremony starts, I feel my entire body tense, excitement and adrenaline coursing through me. No nerves or hesitation grips me. This feels more right than anything ever has.
I can’t believe this moment is here, that Daniel is standing next to me, about to become my husband. I’ll make him the happiest man on earth; that’s a vow I’m making to myself, and I intend to remind myself of it every day.
“Have you prepared any vows?” the officiant asks.
“No, but I want to say a few words anyway,” Daniel says, turning to face me. “Caroline, we met when we were just becoming adults. You were my friend, then my lover. Then I let you go. I promise I’ll never let you go again. You’re my everything. And you’ll be my everything for the rest of our days.”
I smile, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. We needed these years apart to become the people we are now, to grow and learn how to be there for each other in all ways.
“I love you, Dan. No matter what life will throw at us, I’ll be there for you. I’ll love you through all of it, until my last breath. And whatever comes after that, I’ll love you then too.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Caroline
I twirl once, watching the fabric float around me. The light pink chiffon swirls in waves. I love it. The bodice is tight around my torso, V-shaped, with broad straps across my shoulders. The skirt reaches down to the floor and is so voluminous, I’m afraid I’ll get lost in it. Yet for all the fru-fru and seven layers of veil and whatnot, it’s remarkably easy to move around in it.
When Dan and I touched down from Las Vegas, our wedding bands caused quite a stir, which is why we decided to have a second ceremony too, not just a party. So here we are, one week after Christmas, having a winter wedding.
I have to admit, I can’t wait for the ceremony. There is something about making promises in front of everyone I love that beckons to me. It’s the part I look forward to the most. And giving Dad the opportunity to walk me to the altar.